but if I were to take this course am I also certified to dive the megladon CCR too? I ask because if I do need purchase a CCR I heard in another thread several people reccomend the megladon over the inspirational/evoluation. I do not know the difference between the 2 other than the megladon has its air/dilutent cylinders on the outside.
JW, there are many solid rebreathers on the market, but they all come with their own particular advantages and disadvantages (i.e., electronic vs. manual, granular sorb vs. cartridge scrubber, over the chest vs. rear mounted counterlung, etc.).
I would suggest you start your search for a rebreather with a very open mind and look into the several different models first. Once you have looked at several, then you will begin to develop a personal preference regarding what features you can and cannot live without. And yes, RebreatherWorld is a very good source, because the vast majority of the rebreather diving population of the world can be found there.
Megs are great units, but there are other units just as comparable on the market. Here'a a few others I would consider when starting your research:
Dive Rite Optima
Jergensen Marine Hammerhead
Revo
Classic Kiss
Here's a tip: When doing your research, give special consideration to a unit that is heavily supported by a local dive shop, or at least a model that several of your friends or acquaintences use, because no matter how good a unit is, your will need local support, or at least know a few divers who can give you practical guidance when dealing with troubleshooting issues, because all rebreathers will have some problems at one point or another.
BTW, I dive my Optima in South Florida and am a member in a very active group of local divers known as the Rebreather World Florida S.C.U.B.'s. We dive every weekend, and have all different types of units within our group. I just came back from a week long livaboard to the Bahamas, and we had approximately 12 rebreathers onboard (9 Optimas and 3 Megs), including several divers who flew in from out of town to go on the trip with us, and including one Optima diver that came to dive with us from the Houston/Galveston area.
Warning: Be careful about asking open ended questions online inquiring about which is the best rebreather, because just like with automobiles, there's too many overly passionate rebreather divers out there that think they're unit is the best for you, regardless of your particular preferences. Again, it's all about what features you feel most comfortable with and want to have on your unit.
Another suggestion: Give greater weight to those who offer advice and dive their rebreather in your geographical area, or at least similar climates, because different units are more common in colder or warmer climates, for reasons that sometimes only make sense to those who dive in similar conditions or with similar diving habits.
Hope that helps!
Adrian